When I recently purchased my Panasonic plasma, Best Buy basically threw in a Blu-Ray player free (as part of the deal that day). I accepted gladly, without ever researching the players. The unit is Model DMP-BD30.

Now that I have it set up, I realize that this particular Blu-Ray player doesn't record, which makes me wonder whether I need to set-up a VCR/DVD player that I thought I was done with.

Because my cable box is a DVR, I have little need to record anything; but once in a blue moon, I will want to record onto a disc. So, here is my question:

Do I need to re-connect my old VCR/DVD player to make recordings? Alternatively, can I make a recording just by hooking up my computer to the tv (or even to the cable box set?)

I'm not concerned about making the highest quality recordings, but just want to have the option of recording something in a permanent form.

No BR standalone recorders in the US. You could still use your VCR/DVD player and record to VHS, but I'd suggest getting a DVDR and record to DVD.
I personally like Panasonic for the PQ, but there ~$200 for there EZ-17. A fine unit which does not have DVD upconversion, but the PQ you will get out of the Component outputs look great. Let your TV do the upconversion. There are also other brand DVDR's starting at ~$100 which if you just use the SP(2hr) speed, should give you good quality records also. In your case you do not need the tuner, so you could go tunerless. I guess Panasonic is just introducing a low end model without a tuner, at the 2008 CES, not sure of the price yet. Probably less that $200, but more than $150, my guess.

Jjeff,

I understand that my laptop can be connected to the TV (which is a Panasonic42PZ77U), though I have not tried that yet.

Is it possible to record straight onto my computer, and then burn a DVD? If so, is this method inferior for any reason (aside from the hassle of making the connection each time I want to record)?

If your Panny has composite outs, you can just record to any type of recorder (or computer burner) directly from it's tuner, but since you have a cable box/DVR, it's be easier to just record from that.

As far as using a VGA or DVI connection that ordinarily is for using the TV as a monitor for the computer, no, it won't work through that, because that's only an input on the TV, not an output.

Wynton, I'm a little confused by your comment about recording from your TV to your computer. Now if you have a HDTV like mine(panasonic w/composite output) you could record from that, but since it's composite, the PQ is not the best. I have recorded off this connection to my analog tuner es-25, but the PQ is not the best, because of the composite connection. Yes it does work(and if you are tuned to a HD channel it will be WS and better PQ than the analog tuner of the es-25 direct). If your laptop has a composite in, you could try it, if you are OK with the PQ, then do it that way.
If your laptop has the composite(or better s-input) you could also record from whatever source you want to, and go to the laptop. As far as computer recording I'm not the best one to ask. I only use standalone devices, and limit my computer to Forums and internet searching.